Research Associate in Computational Nonlinear Mechanics for Response Prediction to Thermo-acoustic Instabilities in Aeroengine Combustors

­­The Nonlinear Dynamics and Control research group and the Rolls-Royce Vibration University Technology Centre have an opportunity for a research position in Computational Nonlinear Mechanics for response prediction to thermo-acoustic instabilities in aeroengine combustors. This position is associated with HEAVEN, an EU Clean Aviation research programme which aims to carry out ground-breaking research to accelerate sustainable propulsion and decarbonisation research.

This position offers the opportunity to join a team including more than 20 academics and researchers, and to collaborate with the other academic and industrial partners of the MALIT project. The post is based in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the South Kensington Campus. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an outstanding international reputation for both its research and its teaching. In the 2021 REF assessment, the Engineering Faculty was ranked first across the UK.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a successful applicant, you will be responsible for the development of models and analysis methodologies enabling the prediction of the mechanical components’ response to rumble – a thermo-acoustic instability generated by the combustor and exacerbated by modern lean-burn technologies. More specifically:

• You will be responsible for the development mathematical models of mechanical components subject to rumble.
• You will be responsible for the prediction of the nonlinear dynamic response of modelled components using time-domain and frequency-domain solvers.
• You will assist with the analysis of data, including prediction of HCF life and margins.
• You will suggest the optimal placement of the experimental instrumentation for model calibration and validation.
• You will perform the calibration and validation of the developed models.

Skills, knowledge and experience

­To apply for this position, you must have experience, including a proven publication track-record, in one or more of the following areas:

1. contact and friction modelling,
2. rotor dynamics,
3. finite element modelling,
4. nonlinear vibration analysis.

You should also have:

• A first degree (Research Assistant) or PhD degree (Research Associate) in an area pertinent to the research subject.
• Experience with Finite Element software tools such as ABAQUS.
• The ability and desire to work closely with both academic and industrial research colleagues and project partners.

Experience with model calibration and validation is desirable.

Further information:

This is a fixed term position for up to 36 months in the first instance.

Queries relating to the position should be directed to Dr Ludovic Renson at l.renson@imperial.ac.uk.

This position is eligible for a hybrid working structure, with a minimum of 2 days per week on site.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum.

Our preferred method of application is via our website. Please visit our website using the provided link for more information about the post and the application process.

To apply, please click “APPLY NOW” to go through to the online application form. Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact ME-HR.Requests@imperial.ac.uk.

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Disability Confident Leader and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

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